Rocky Lake

MCHT partnered with The Conservation Fund to acquire Rocky Lake Preserve in 2017. The Fund purchased the property from a developer’s heirs, saving it from a series of subdivisions and private recreational infrastructure. Since that time, three parcels have been added, expanding the size of the preserve, increasing its ecological impact, and enhancing its recreational offerings.

This 3,781.6-acre property includes 4.1 miles of shoreline on the eastern shore of Rocky Lake and 1.8 miles of shoreline on the northern shore of Orange Lake. The topography is varied, with many steep-sided rock outcroppings and a few areas of talus slopes. Lower-lying areas feature freshwater wetlands as well as natural vernal pools.

Until 2003, the preserve was managed as commercial timberland, and much of the upland forest is relatively homogeneous, early-successional spruce–fir–hardwood forest that has been cut heavily in the past several decades. A narrow band of forest along the shorelines of Rocky and Orange lakes features more mature spruce–fir forest. Set amidst the backdrop of upland forest and the lakeshore are several different types of wetland communities, including forested, shrub-scrub, and emergent wetlands. A few intermittent streams cross the property; these run seasonally into the lakes.

Though the preserve is named for Rocky Lake, Orange Lake and the Orange River feature prominently in the land’s natural resources. The Orange River State of Maine Focus Area of Statewide Ecological Significance is noted for its high-value inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat, and the Orange River boasts significant recreational value. MCHT is currently focused on protecting and restoring five coastal rivers in Maine as part of our Rivers Initiative—the Orange River is one of them. Learn more about our Rivers Initiative.

With its large size and diversity of habitats, the preserve is well used by wildlife. Moose, coyote, black bear, beaver, snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer, and various small mammals are present. The lakes include several fish species: native brook trout, brown trout, rainbow smelt, chain pickerel, and smallmouth bass. Look for American woodcock, great blue heron, bald eagles, common loons, black ducks, wood ducks, and various songbirds as well.

The Rocky Lake Preserve has a long history of active forest management dating back to the 1830s and 40s. In the 20th century, a series of paper companies owned the land and harvested wood for their mills. More recently, short-term investors owned the property and cut the forest more aggressively. 

At the time of the acquisition, most of the preserve’s trees were very young. MCHT is now evaluating how to manage the forest in the future, with the long-term goal of returning the property to a healthier mix of age classes.

Rocky Lake Preserve features three campsites, all accessible by water only. There are two sites on Rocky and one on Orange Lake, with a portage between the two lakes. Bear in mind, Rocky Lake got its name for a reason—there are very few open spots along the shore, so boats should be hauled onto land for the night.